2012 international new Fellows - American Academy of Nursing

86
2012
nEW FEllOWs
Dr. White received his PhD in health services organization and research from VCU; a Master of
Public Health in health administration from the University of Oklahoma; a Master of Science in
Nursing from VCU; and he is currently pursuing an acute care nurse practitioner certificate at the
University of Virginia.
Washington
azita Emami, pHD, msn, Rn, Rnt
Azita Emami is a Professor and Dean of the College of Nursing at Seattle University.
Bringing her knowledge and passion for transcultural and gerontological care research,
Dr. Emami came to Seattle University from Karolinksa Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, taking on
the role of chief academic and administrative officer. Her vision is to develop global engagement
at a distinguished level that will enable the college to position itself at a more internationally
acknowledged academic status in order to create more opportunities for students to learn lean
fiscal management and acquire knowledge and clinical experience in diverse, global settings.
Under her leadership, the college is forming stronger relationships with clinical and community
partners to improve its academic quality and increase educational opportunities. Additionally,
Dean Emami has implemented a curriculum transformation plan for the college with the purpose
of improving several areas in the curricula’s philosophical basis, essentials and architecture as
well as ensuring consistent with the Ignatian pedagogical model of a Jesuit education.
As a leader, Dr. Emami has played key roles in raising the quality of both education and
research within the organizations of which she has led. She has successfully published more
than 60 articles in refereed journals, seven articles in Swedish publications, three book
chapters and two reports. Dr. Emami has been awarded over $5.5 million in grant monies and
endowments to support her own research and that of students.
Dr. Emami received her Bachelors, Masters (International Health Care) and Doctorate in Medical
Sciences from Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
CHaRlEEn taCHibana, mn, Rn
Charleen Tachibana is the Senior Vice President, Hospital Administrator and Chief Nursing
Officer at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
Ms. Tachibana’s contributions to nursing have focused on care delivery systems designed for
safety and quality. She participated in pioneering the translation of the Toyota Production
System into healthcare and demonstrated its ability to revolutionize care delivery. This translation
has resulted in a management system, which consistently reduces costs while producing
measurable and sustainable improvements in quality, service, and caregiver satisfaction.
Ms. Tachibana’s ground breaking leadership in creating a culture of quality while driving
waste out of hospital systems is highly regarded and she has lectured and consulted
internationally on application of the Toyota Production System to healthcare. She continues
to work extensively in leading systematic changes to improve clinical processes and increase
the amount of direct care time nurses spend with patients. This has included a focus on
reducing the burden of work, improving workspaces, enhancing work environments, and
designing efficient care delivery processes.
Ms. Tachibana modeled the standard for mandatory flu vaccinations for health care employees
in the State of Washington, which became a model for organizations across the country. Her
commitment and vision is to create an environment that promotes the highest levels of quality for
patients and optimizes the contributions of each health care team member.
Ms. Tachibana received her BSN from Pacific Lutheran University and her MN from the
University of Washington. She maintains a number of board and academic appointments.